Jim Crowley blog: ‘I hope he can be the Trojan Horse’
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We’re back with yet another Jim Crowley blog, with the Coral ambassador sharing his thoughts on his rides at Newmark on Saturday and Sunday.
Jim Crowley Guineas weekend blog
Saturday - 1.45 Newmarket – Rabaah
He won two novice races on the all-weather very easily in the early stages of last season. Unfortunately, at Newbury next time out, he was far too keen. We then tried him over 6f ay York in a big handicap, and he ran well, finishing fifth of 21 runners. He has been gelded since, and I think that will be a massive help for him.
I am looking forward to riding this horse this season as I think he has a lot of untapped potential. I see no reason why he can’t run a big race here off this mark of 96.
3.35 Newmarket (2,000 Guineas) – Alyanaabi
I think this is one of the best 2,000 Guineas fields I’ve seen for many years. Some reports out of Ballydoyle suggest City Of Troy is one of the best horses they’ve ever had. You have Rosallion from the Hannon yard, who is very good. Horses like Notable Speech, Ghostwriter and Night Rider are all unbeaten, and unexposed. It is a solid race all the way through.
In terms of my horse, I could not be happier with him. He is going to appreciate going up to 1m, and I think he is going to be at his best on a fast surface. When he finished second to City Of Troy in the Dewhurst, it was on Soft ground. I hope he can be the Trojan Horse this time and bring down City Of Troy.
Alyanaabi odds: 16/1
5.50 Newmarket – Rowayeh
She has been working nicely at home and I think she is a lovely filly. The pick of her form last year was her victory over this distance at Sandown. She stepped up to 1m2½f at York on her final start of the campaign and it didn’t quite work out for her.
The distance and course should both suit her here. She will appreciate any rain, as she loves to get her toe in.
Sunday - 3.40 Newmarket (1,000 Guineas) – Star Music
She is a big outsider, but Richard Hughes would not run a horse in this race if he did not feel they were good enough. On what she has achieved so far, she does need to step forward.
It is a wide-open race, with at least 6-7 in with a genuine chance of winning it. Hopefully, my filly can be in the mix and put it up to the likes of Fallen Angel and Ylang Ylang at the finish.
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